'We handled the expected pressure'

Jordan Henderson expected a daunting evening against Southampton on Saturday but, after recording an excellent 3-0 away victory, the midfielder revealed the euphoric mood among the squad.

Liverpool arrived at St Mary's with the knowledge that the club's last win on the ground came in January 2003, but Brendan Rodgers' men were well prepared for another onslaught from the Saints.

With the international break approaching before the final 10 fixtures of 2013-14, Henderson admitted it was a massive triumph as the Reds look to continue their upward climb.

He told Liverpoolfc.com: "The win was really important with the break coming up and we knew it was going to be a difficult game for us to try and stay up there within the top.

"So we're over the moon with the three points and the performance.

"We knew we'd come under pressure at some point, because they're a good team with good players, but I thought we handled them quite well.

"They had a few chances and Simon [Mignolet] made a great save, but I think in the second half we dealt with it better and created good opportunities for ourselves."

Liverpool's diligence at the back was the aspect of the game that most impressed Henderson.

"It was really important for us to get a clean sheet," the No.14 continued. "We've been disappointed with some of the goals we've conceded over the last few weeks and have worked on it in training - and I think you could see that today.

"The defenders were outstanding, Simon was very outstanding, and as a team I think we all defended superbly."

With the Reds second in the league standings on goal difference, and supporters daring to dream, what does the England international make of a potential title challenge?

"We just have to keep our feet on the ground," he said.

"We're very confident but we have to take each game at it comes. We've got quality players here, who are working very well."